TSA Introduces $45 Alternative for Airport Travelers Lacking REAL ID
FOX Business’ Gerri Willis reports on how security tech works and travelers’ opinions on the new change.
Travelers arriving at airport security without a REAL ID will soon have a new backup option, albeit at a cost. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that it will roll out its ConfirmID program starting February 1. This initiative allows passengers lacking a REAL ID, passport, or other acceptable identification to proceed through security for a fee of $45.
Under the ConfirmID program, the TSA will conduct additional identity verification to confirm a traveler’s identity. However, it is important to note that clearance is not guaranteed. Adam Stahl, the senior official performing the duties of deputy administrator for TSA, stated, “TSA ConfirmID will be an option for travelers that do not bring a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID to the TSA checkpoint and still want to fly. Impacted travelers will have the option to pay $45 and use the TSA ConfirmID process.”
REAL ID DEADLINE IS HERE, HOW TO NAVIGATE IF YOU DON’T HAVE ONE
Travelers make their way through a TSA security checkpoint at Logan International Airport in Boston. (Brian Snyder/Reuters)
Passengers opting for ConfirmID should be prepared for extra identity verification, additional screening, and potential delays. The TSA warns that travelers arriving at checkpoints without acceptable ID and who have not paid the fee may face significant delays and could risk missing their flights.
Stahl emphasized, “To avoid delays or missed flights, all travelers should obtain a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification before heading to the airport.”
HOMELAND SECURITY PUSHES BACK REAL ID DEADLINE TO 2025
An employee with the Transportation Security Administration checks the documents of a traveler at the Hollywood Burbank Airport in Burbank, Calif., Oct. 1, 2025. (Daniel Cole/Reuters)
The $45 fee aims to ensure that travelers who do not comply with identification requirements cover the costs of additional screening, rather than taxpayers. The REAL ID requirement, which affects all U.S. air travelers aged 18 and older, took effect in May.
REAL IDs are identifiable by a gold star in the upper right-hand corner, as noted by the TSA.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROPOSES SCRAPPING AUTOMATED TRAFFIC CAMERAS IN DC
A TSA agent wears a patch on his uniform. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Acceptable alternatives to a REAL ID include U.S. passports, passport cards, state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses, certain mobile driver’s licenses, and other TSA-approved documents, as outlined on the agency’s website.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
For more details about the ConfirmID program, visit TSA’s website.
The TSA did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.
FOX Business’ Gerri Willis reports on how security tech works and travelers’ opinions on the new change.
Travelers arriving at airport security without a REAL ID will soon have a new backup option, albeit at a cost. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that it will roll out its ConfirmID program starting February 1. This initiative allows passengers lacking a REAL ID, passport, or other acceptable identification to proceed through security for a fee of $45.
Under the ConfirmID program, the TSA will conduct additional identity verification to confirm a traveler’s identity. However, it is important to note that clearance is not guaranteed. Adam Stahl, the senior official performing the duties of deputy administrator for TSA, stated, “TSA ConfirmID will be an option for travelers that do not bring a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID to the TSA checkpoint and still want to fly. Impacted travelers will have the option to pay $45 and use the TSA ConfirmID process.”
REAL ID DEADLINE IS HERE, HOW TO NAVIGATE IF YOU DON’T HAVE ONE
Travelers make their way through a TSA security checkpoint at Logan International Airport in Boston. (Brian Snyder/Reuters)
Passengers opting for ConfirmID should be prepared for extra identity verification, additional screening, and potential delays. The TSA warns that travelers arriving at checkpoints without acceptable ID and who have not paid the fee may face significant delays and could risk missing their flights.
Stahl emphasized, “To avoid delays or missed flights, all travelers should obtain a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification before heading to the airport.”
HOMELAND SECURITY PUSHES BACK REAL ID DEADLINE TO 2025
An employee with the Transportation Security Administration checks the documents of a traveler at the Hollywood Burbank Airport in Burbank, Calif., Oct. 1, 2025. (Daniel Cole/Reuters)
The $45 fee aims to ensure that travelers who do not comply with identification requirements cover the costs of additional screening, rather than taxpayers. The REAL ID requirement, which affects all U.S. air travelers aged 18 and older, took effect in May.
REAL IDs are identifiable by a gold star in the upper right-hand corner, as noted by the TSA.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROPOSES SCRAPPING AUTOMATED TRAFFIC CAMERAS IN DC
A TSA agent wears a patch on his uniform. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Acceptable alternatives to a REAL ID include U.S. passports, passport cards, state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses, certain mobile driver’s licenses, and other TSA-approved documents, as outlined on the agency’s website.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
For more details about the ConfirmID program, visit TSA’s website.
The TSA did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.
